Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Today, I fly to Queenstown which sits at the base of the Remarkables Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. I'm out of my mind with excitement. Absolutely everyone I have met has said that Queenstown is their most favorite place in New Zealand.... I can't wait to spend some time there. It's known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and it's entire economy is based around adrenaline inducing activities year-round.
It's a two-hour flight to the South Island, but it feels like a different world. The landscape is totally different. the Southern Alps are in sight from the plane as we fly over, and I'm kicking myself for not asking for a window seat!
We land at noon, and I go straight to the hotel, The Lofts Apartments. Once again, I'm allowed to check in immediately. What a great room! It's not the Ritz, but it's spotlessly clean, with a full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry - Oh Happy Day! Laundry is a BIG issue when you've been on the go as long as I have been.
The weather forecast for the next week isn't great, but at the moment the sun is shining. Across the street is Lake Wakatipu, which the towns main district is centered around. People are parasailing on the lake, and it looks like so much fun. The beauty is overwhelming. I suddenly realize that I have tears roiling down my face. I'm awed by the beauty here, which will remain a constant reaction. I take a few moments to take it all in. I did it. I'm really here. I walk down the lake , through the park, past a playground. I couldn't imagine growing up here!!
I don't want to waste this day, so I book paragliding at 4:30 PM with GForce Paragliding, which is usually accessed using by a gondola ride plus a hike to the top of Bob's Peak, but today the mountain is closed; however, Coronet Peak about 20 minutes away is still a go, so they will drive me there. I've also booked a full day trip to Milford Sound, a day trip to Mount Cook, Zip Lining down the mountain, and jet boating through mountain canyons... we'll see if that's enough. It sounds exhausting to me! But I will redeem my reputation... that Auckland Sky Jump fiasco will be a faded memory of the past.
I'm starving so I pop into one of the local sushi places, Hariku, and although it's OK, it's not my Shima in NYC, (Nothing can beat that place! I usually love the company I have there as well!) I haven't liked any of the sushi places so far....
Afterwards I make my way to the market to grab a few things for the room, and of course the view is amazing... I'm just taking it all in. It's small and quaint but has lots of shops. It's teaming with tourists, mostly young backpackers, but I fit in just fine.
Finally it's time to soar! I make my way to the pick-up location, which is a hike up a very steep hill. Huffing and puffing, I make it and see another couple who is doing the same thing. All three of us are so excited. A van pulls up, three men pop out, we get in, so do the other men, and we're off. We're told that Mount Coronet is higher so our trip will be longer. About 10 minutes into the drive, one of the men taps me on the shoulder. He says his name is Georges (with a think French accent)... Bonjour Georges! (Can we say, "Hot!" but I digress) ... We will be paragliding together. I find out he came here 4 years ago on a holiday and just hasn't left. He loves it here. (Maybe I'll stay. I need to work on my French).
Clouds have moved in, but it doesn't change anything. It's breathtaking... New Zealand is, shall I say, spiritual... it humbles you. Forces you to stop and just take a moment... a breath... My soul needs this.
Georges helps me with my harness. He explains that we're going to run down the mountain until our feet don't touch anymore.... "We're going to do WHAT?!?!" But, yes, one minute later, we're running down the mountain.... not a second to think about it... and suddenly our sail catches the wind and we take flight. Georges says, "Welcome to my office!" OMG!!! To hell with ALL the corner offices of the world. I WANT THIS ONE... The office! not Georges... I mean unless he comes with it! haha. My heart is pounding, although it's quiet and calm... high above the trees, we're a bird... I'm in tears, again, but with a huge grin on my face.
Georges says he loves trees and starts to dive into them! What?!?! yes, my friends, those little green things that look like bushes in the pic above... are Full Grown Trees! It's awesome. Our free fall stops and we're gliding again.
We're nearing our landing spot in an open field that has a big smiley face on it... No joke. I'm a bit nervous about the landing since my legs aren't the strongest. Will I be able to do it? Georges says when he tells me to, I need to stand up and take three steps.... He does... I do... and we're on the ground. Piece of cake! I'm giddy! Jumping up and down. I want to go again.
Truly one of the most amazing things I've ever done. Thank you Queenstown and "merci, Georges!" This was a stellar way to start!
As I walk down the hill, I'm on a high... I just walk around a bit, when it dawns on me, I need shampoo.... random. The local uni-chem doesn't have what I need - sulfate-free - so they suggest the salon around the corner.
Perhaps I was just ready, or I was feeling daring, but I tell Louise at the Cutting Edge to chop it all off. GONE. about 8 inches. bye bye! FREEDOM!
I do feel like I've cheated on my stylist in NYC, Shanti (Who is amazing! Dramatics Salon at the corner of 15th!) but thank you "Lou!" It looks and feels amazing.
My first day in Queenstown has been perfection!
3 comments:
Love your hair!
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